Profile

Professor Amando José Padilla Ramírez had extensive professional experience, beginning as a Researcher at the Institute of Materials Research of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) from 1976 to 1990. During this time, he produced internationally recognized publications, delivered over 60 conference presentations, published more than 12 journal articles, and secured two patents.

From 1990 to 1998, he served as Development and Engineering Manager at Plásticos Automotrices DINA, where he developed flame-retardant resins, gelcoats, and adhesives, and optimized open-mold processes, polymer concrete, and thermocompression techniques. Between 1999 and 2001, he was Engineering and Development Manager at Sarnamotive, overseeing process control for injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming. He was responsible for approving more than 40 parts for the automotive industry.

He served as Director of the Reinforced Plastics Association (RPA) from 2002 to 2004, promoting conferences, training courses, and journal publications, while fostering collaboration between industry and academia. He also taught at UNAM’s Faculty of Chemistry (from 1973 until his retirement), the ESIQIE at IPN, Universidad La Salle, among other institutions. He delivered numerous courses to both industry and academic centers.

He advised research centers such as CICY and companies including Industrias Resistol, Poliformas Plásticas, Multina, Interfil, Termolita, and Total Resins.

From January 1, 2005, until his retirement, he worked as a researcher at the Azcapotzalco Campus of the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), where he promoted research on composite materials and shared knowledge through national and international forums and journals. He taught graduate courses in the CYAD and CBI divisions. From October 2015 until his retirement, he led the CBI Liaison Office, strengthening connections between UAM and the productive and social sectors. Since June 2016, he has been a member of the Composite Materials Network Committee “MATCORED,” sponsored by CONACYT.

He authored 35 full papers published in conference proceedings, 20 technical reports, and 30 presentations at national and international conferences. He supervised 25 undergraduate theses (final projects), led four workshops on reinforced plastics, participated in equipment design and construction, and provided consulting services for the reinforcement of structures using CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced polymers).

In terms of industry outreach, he established two agreements with the company Termolita between 2011 and 2013 to develop and evaluate applications of alumino-silicate microspheres in hydraulic and polymeric matrices.

He signed five collaboration agreements with Grupo Dina from 2014 until his retirement to develop materials and technologies for the transportation industry. Additionally, he secured two collaboration agreements with Grupo Arteche (2014–2015) for the development of composite materials for the electrical industry, and one agreement starting in 2017 with the company Eecore to repurpose BMC (bulk molding compound) waste in the development of various products.

Starting in 2018, he launched a joint project with Dina Autobuses to implement a closed-molding process (RTM Light) for bus parts. He provided technical consulting for several companies, including:

• Implementation of thermoforming processes for automotive hoses – Interfil S.A.
• Development and evaluation of fiberglass fabrics to replace 10x10 mesh in concrete flooring – Saint Gobain
• Plastisol Formulation and Process Optimization for Air Filter Seals – Interfil S.A.
• Problem-solving and training for deep drawing processes – Interfil S.A.
• Vacuum process development for fiberglass part manufacturing – Fibramex S.A.
• Material development and startup of filament winding for dielectric pole production – Herramientas Técnicas
• Concrete structure reinforcement with carbon fibers – Miraman
• Development of low-density solid surface materials – Termolita SAPI S.A.
• Development of superfluid lightweight mortars – Termolita SAPI S.A.
• Development of sandwich panels for concrete formwork – Dicom
• BMC development for electrical applications – EEcore
• Training in manual molding processes – Dina Autobuses

Drawing on his experience in research, development, engineering, financial and personnel management in the field of plastics and composite materials—as well as in manufacturing operations and quality systems—his objectives focused on developing and characterizing composites for construction and other applications; advancing the mechanical, thermal, and rheological characterization about structure and composition; studying the degradation and weather resistance of these materials; building partnerships between research centers and industry; implementing ISO 9000 quality systems to provide certified services; promoting consulting, technical services, and development projects; and creating continuous improvement programs for industry. These programs aimed to reduce costs through the analysis of operational processes, production planning, raw material supply, cost control assessments, production volumes, labor utilization, raw material usage, waste management, and finished product quality control.